In studies of laboratory animals, large doses of these drugs have been reported to cause birth defects, stillbirth, poor bone growth, and other problems when taken during pregnancy.
The effects of taking calcium channel blockers during pregnancy have not been studied in humans.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should check with their physicians before using these drugs.
Grapefruit juice may increase the effects of some calcium channel blockers.
No, side effects of calcium channel blockers do not contain hair loss.
Calcium channel blockers are available only with a physician's prescription and are sold in tablet, capsule, and injectable forms.
Calcium channel blockers will not cure high blood pressure, but will help to control the condition.
Digitalis heart medicines: Taking these medicines with calcium channel blockers may increase the action of the heart medication.
no
Nifedipine.
The discovery of calcium channel blockers is attributed to two scientists, Albrecht Fleckenstein and Wilhelm Siegmund. Fleckenstein first characterized the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers in the 1960s, while Siegmund later identified verapamil as the first calcium channel blocker used clinically.
Some calcium channel blockers pass into breast milk, but there have been no reports of problems in nursing babies whose mothers were taking this type of medication.
Taking calcium channel blockers with certain other drugs may affect the way the drugs work or may increase the chance of side effects.